This article is written by Kishita Gupta, a Unitedworld School of Law, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, graduate. The article deals with a thorough discussion of Sale of Goods Act, 1930. The article will also discuss various case laws on the subject.

It has been published by Rachit Garg.

Introduction 

We are aware that every business entity runs by buying or selling commodities. In India, such sales of goods are governed by the Sale of Goods Act, 1930. This Act has been codified as a separate enactment of the law relating to the sale of goods, which was contained in Sections 76 to 123 of the Indian Contract Act of 1872. Those sections of the Contracts Act have been repealed by the Sale of Goods Act. This was done because the provisions of the Contract Act were found to be inadequate to deal with the new situations that were arising due to an increase in mercantile transactions in the wake of rapid industrialisation. Hence, a new law was formed to deal with the sale of goods which incorporates various provisions of the English Sale of Goods Act, 1893. However, despite the separate legislation in terms of the Sale of Goods Act, the Contract Act continues to apply to the contracts relating to the sale of goods. The Act lacks in defining some of the expressions and words that are otherwise defined in the Contract Act. In this article, the author will be discussing the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 in detail by analysing all the important provisions and case laws. 

Definition clause of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930

Let us begin with a thorough understanding of the definition clause of the Act for a better understanding. Section 2 of the Sales of Goods Act of 1930 deals with the definitions relating to the subject. Some of the clauses of Section 2 are mentioned below:

Buyer

In clause 1 of Section 2, the term ‘buyer’ is defined to include both a person who actually purchases the goods and a person who is almost willing to do so. However, it was observed in Helby v. Mathews (1895) that a person is not regarded as a buyer if an agreement essentially grants him the option to purchase the products without subjecting him to any legal obligation to do so.

Delivery 

Clause 2 defines the term ‘delivery’ to involve a transaction of a transfer of possession which is done voluntarily. Delivery can be actual or constructive. It becomes ‘actual’ when the buyer receives the actual products or receives the key to the warehouse where the goods are kept. Whereas, when a delivery is made without affecting the custody or actual ownership of the item, such as when attornment (acknowledging) a delivery or making a symbolic delivery, it is said to be a constructive delivery. 

Goods 

Clause 7 deals with the “goods,” which refers to any movable property that is neither money nor actionable claims. 

The following list of items is considered goods as per the interpretations given by the Indian judiciary:

1. The shares of a company were considered goods by the court in Bacha F. Guzdar v. CIT (1955).
2. While Rash Behari v. Emperor (1936) held that gas and electricity are not goods, Associated Power Co. v. Ram Ratan (1970) held electricity to be ‘goods’.
3. The ‘Standing timber’ on land which was agreed to be severed from the land before the sale, was held to be goods in the case of State of Maharashtra v. Champalal (1971).
4. The interest of the partners in the partnership assets which consists of any immovable property was considered to be a movable property and thus good in the case of Narayanaapa v. Bhaskar Krishnappa (1966).
5. Sugarcane which was supplied to a sugar factory was considered to be good in the U.P. Coop. Cane Unions Federations v. West U.P. Sugar Mills Assn. (2004).

The following list of items was considered to be ‘not goods’ under this Section:

1. The goods supplied by a building contractor in the execution of building construction are not goods as per the case of Mahadeo v. State of Bombay (1959).
2. Where a person entrusts documents to his lawyer, those documents will not be considered goods under this Section as per the case of R.D. Saxena v. Balram Prasad Sharma (2000).
3. The sale and purchase of lottery tickets are actionable claims which are excluded from the definition of goods. Therefore, it will not be goods as was held in the case of Union of India v. Martin Lottery Agencies Ltd. (2009).

Specific goods

Clause 14 of Section 2 deals with ‘Specific Goods.’ Specific goods are utilised as an alternative to generic or unascertained goods. The items are specific if they are identified at the moment of sale. However, they are unascertained goods if the items are not identified at the moment of the sale. For example, the sale of a car in a person’s possession would be considered to be the sale of a specific good. Whereas a sale of a car from a showroom that contains different variants of a car is a contract for the sale of unascertained goods. 

Formation of a contract 

What is a contract of sale

Section 4 of the Act discusses sales and the agreement to sell. The term “contract of sale” is generic in nature. It tends to include both agreements to sell and sale. It was formerly called “bargain and sale.”

Subsection 3 of Section 4 defines the sale and the agreement to sell. The contract of sale is known as a sale when the property in the products is transferred from the seller to the buyer under it, thereby transferring ownership from the seller to the buyer. A sale can also be called an executed contract of sale. However, a contract is referred to as an agreement to sell when the transfer of property in the goods is supposed to happen at a future date or is dependent on the fulfilment of a subsequent condition. An agreement to sell may also be called an executory contract of sale.

It was held in the State of Uttaranchal v. Khurana Brothers (2011) that when the time elapses or the condition gets fulfilled, at that time an agreement to sell becomes a sale. 

Subsection 1 also permits a person who owns the goods partially to sell the goods or transfer the ownership to that extent.

In Camera House, Bombay v. State of Maharashtra (1969), the Bombay High Court ruled that providing a print, processing film, and taking a picture in a studio are all separate transactions. Therefore, it is obvious that the first two contracts call for the use of a photographer’s artistic talent and labour. However, the final contract for providing copies of it to clients is a contract of sale.

Absolute and conditional contracts of sale

A contract of sale may be either absolute or conditional. When the property is actually sold to the buyer and transferred completely, it is considered absolute. If the parties annex conditions to the contract, it is conditional. These situations could be either subsequent or preceding. When a sale is to be completed subject to the fulfilment of a specific condition, the condition is known as a “condition precedent.” It is common for an auction sale of goods to include a clause stating that if the purchase price is not made within a certain period of time, the item may be resold. In this scenario, there is a real sale when the property is transferred to the buyer, but if the transaction is not completed, the seller retains ownership of the goods.

Difference between sale and agreement to sell

1. A sale results in the transfer of the buyer’s general ownership of the items, or it generates a jus in rem. An agreement to sell does not transfer property; rather, it creates a jus in personam that allows either party to take legal action against the other’s person and general estate if the other fails to uphold his end of the bargain. (Sales Tax Officer v. Buddha Prakash Jai Prakash (1954))
2. After a sale, if the purchaser does not pay for the items, the seller may file a lawsuit under Section 55  (suit for price) to recover the purchase price. When there is just an agreement to sell anything and the buyer refuses to take delivery of the goods and pay for them, the seller may only bring a claim for damages under Section 56 (damages for non-acceptance).
3. If there is a sale agreement in place and the seller breaches it, the buyer alone has a claim for damages as their own remedy. The seller is still the rightful owner of the items, and he is free to dispose of them however he sees fit. But if a sale has already been made and the seller breaches it, the buyer is likewise entitled to the same legal recourse against the seller as an owner of the goods would have in relation to the items themselves, such as a suit for conversion or detinue.
4. If there is a sale agreement and the products are destroyed, the seller is responsible for the loss; nevertheless, if there has been a sale, the buyer is responsible for the loss even though the things may not have actually been in his possession.

What are the formalities of the contract

Section 5 provides for the bare formalities for making “contracts of sale.” 

The following prerequisites must be met for a contract to be formed:

1. The making of a purchase or sale offer and the acceptance of that offer.
2. Delivery arrangements for goods or services may be immediate, simultaneous, in instalments, or in the future.
3. Making provisions for the price paid. The fee may be paid in whole immediately, in instalments over time, or all at once.

The basic requirements for a contract of sale are as follows:

1. It may be in writing.
2. It may be by word of mouth.
3. It may be partly oral or written.
4. It may be implied from the conduct of parties or by the course of their business.
5. The law allows for official written instruments to be sealed in the case of the government and some statutory corporations “Subject to the provisions of any law for the being in force” applies to this group.

A Constitution Bench determined in Poppatlal Shah v. The State of Madras (1953) that the phrase “sale of goods” is a composite statement made up of several components or ingredients. The exchange of money or the promise to exchange money, the delivery of goods, and the actual transfer of title are the components of a contract of sale. However, until the buyer becomes the legal owner of the goods, the sale has not been completed.

Subject matter of a contract

Existing or future goods

As per Section 6, the following types of existing or future goods form a part of the subject matter of the contract.

• The goods may be existing or whose possession will happen in the future.
• The goods whose acquisition is dependent on a contingency.
• Where there is a present sale of future goods.

Goods perishing before making a contract

Only specific goods are covered under Section 7. It states that the contract is void if the goods have expired at the time of the contract without the seller’s knowledge. This Section is based on the principle that a contract is void if both parties are in error regarding a fact that is material to it.

The Section further states that the contract is void if the products have been sufficiently damaged that they no longer match the contract’s description without the seller’s knowledge. The seller’s knowledge is crucial in this situation.

Goods perishing before sale but after an agreement to sell

Section 8 deals with the case where the goods perish, etc., after the agreement to sell is made and before the risk passes to the buyer. It applies only to specific goods.

What are the conditions and warranties

Sections 14 to 17 of the Sale of Goods Act of 1930 deal with implied conditions and warranties.

Implied conditions

Implied conditions as to title

According to Section 14(a), in every contract of sale, unless the circumstances of the contract are such as to show a different intention, there is an implied condition on the part of the seller that, in the case of a sale, he has a right to sell the goods.

The fundamental yet crucial implied terms on the part of the seller are as follows in any contract of sale:

1. First off, he is legally authorised to sell the goods.
2. Second, if there is a sale agreement, he will have the right to sell the products when the contract is fulfilled.

As a result, the buyer has the right to reject the products if the seller does not have the title to sell them. He has the right to receive his entire purchase price back.

The case of Rowland v. Divall (1923) observed that if the seller has no title and the buyer has to give up the goods to the real owner, he is entitled to a return of the price.

Implied condition in sales by description

Section 15 of the Act states that there is an implied condition that the products meet the description in a sale of goods by description. There is a condition that the goods shall meet the description.  It is a fundamental requirement of the contract, and if it is breached, the buyer is entitled to reject the goods regardless of whether they can be inspected.

Implied condition as to the quality of fitness

Section 16 lays down exceptions to the rule of caveat emptor. These are as follows:

• Implied condition as to the quality or fitness [Section 16(a)]

The following are the essentials of this condition as mentioned in sub-section (1):

1. The buyer makes known to the seller the particular purpose for which the goods are required.
2. The buyer relies on the seller’s skill or judgement.
3. The goods are of a description dealt in by the seller, whether he be the manufacturer or not.

• Implied condition as to merchantables.

The second exception, as stated in sub-section (2), is when the goods are purchased by description from a seller, whether or not he is the manufacturer, who deals in goods of that description. There is an implied condition that the goods must be of merchantable quality in such circumstances.

Implied condition on sale by sample

When there is an express or implied clause in the contract to that effect, Section 17 considers the sale to be by sample. The seller expressly assures that the goods sold on a sample sale should match the description of a small parcel approved at the time of the transaction.

Implied warranties

Implied warranty of quiet possession

As per Section 14(b), every contract of sale contains an implied warranty that the buyer will have and that they shall enjoy quiet possession of the goods unless the conditions of the contract indicate a different condition. The seller is responsible for compensating the buyer for any damages if this warranty is breached.

Implied warranty that goods are free from encumbrances

Section 14(c) states that there is an implied warranty from the seller that the goods are unencumbered by any charge or encumbrance. The seller is responsible for compensating the buyer for damages if it is later discovered that the goods are subject to a charge in the favour of a third party.

Expressed conditions and warranties

A provision in a legal agreement that stipulates that something must be done or exist is how the term is defined in the dictionary. The term “expressed conditions” refers to clauses that both parties agree to include in the contract and that are necessary for it to work. Those warranties that are included in the contract and are typically accepted by both parties are referred to as “expressed warranties.”

Effects of the contract 

Transfer of property between seller and buyer 

Transfer of property in the sale of specific or ascertained goods

In cases where the goods are specific and ascertained as stated in Section 18, Sections 19 to 22 govern their transfer. The following is explained as follows:

Property passes when intended to pass  

According to Section 19 of the Act, the property only becomes transferable when both parties to a contract intend it to. Whether that stage has been reached in each case depends on the creation of a contact. Regard must be given to the contract’s terms, the parties’ behaviour, and the case’s circumstances in order to determine the parties’ intentions.

Specific goods in a deliverable state  

According to Section 20, in the event of an unconditional contract of sale for specific commodities in a deliverable state, the property in the goods passes to the buyer at the period designated by the parties. When an unconditional contract of sale for “particular things” in a “deliverable state” is made, the property in the goods passes to the buyer at the time the contract is made, according to Section 20, which also contains the first rule for determining the parties’ intention.

Specific goods to be put into a deliverable state

Section 21 states that it is irrelevant if the price payment or the time of delivery of the goods, or both, is delayed where there is an unconditional contract for the sale of specific goods in a deliverable form. The property in the goods goes to the buyer at the time the contract is made.

Specific goods are in a deliverable state but the seller has to do something to ascertain the price

Section 22 states that when there is a contract for the sale of specific goods in a deliverable condition but the seller is required to weigh, measure, test, or carry out another action with regard to the goods in order to determine the price, the property does not transfer until the seller carries out the required action and notifies the buyer of it.

The Supreme Court outlined the structure of the provisions relating to the transfer of title of goods in the case of Contship Container Lines Ltd. v. D.K. Lall (2010). According to Section 19, in a contract of sale of specific or ascertained goods, the property in them is transferred to the buyer at the time specified in the contract by the parties, and for the purpose of determining the parties’ intention, consideration must be given to the contract’s terms, the parties’ behaviour, and the circumstances of the case. The rules for determining the parties’ intentions for the moment at which the property is to pass to the buyer are set forth in Sections 20 to 24 of the aforementioned Act.

Transfer of property in the sale of ascertained goods and appropriation

According to Section 23 of the Act, when goods of that description are unconditionally appropriate to the contract, either by the seller with the assent of the buyer or by the buyer with the assent of the seller, the property in the goods passes to the buyer. This applies when the contract is for the sale of unascertained goods or future goods by description. Additionally, if the seller does not reserve the right to dispose of the goods when delivering them to the buyer, a career, or another bailee for transmission to the buyer, he is believed to have unconditionally appropriated the items to the contract.

The Supreme Court in the case of Arihant Udhyog v. the State of Rajasthan (2017) observed that it is evident from a joint reading of Sections 23 and 24 that title to goods only transfers from the seller to the buyer upon a sale of those things. The purpose of the parties with respect to the conditions of the contract must be determined in order to determine when such a sale fructifies and the property passes. The property in goods passes when they are in a deliverable state and there is an unconditional contract for the sale of certain things, unless it is clear from the terms of the contract that there is no such purpose.

Transfer of title

“Nemo dat quod non habet,” a Latin maxim, states that no one can give what they do not have. The underlying idea behind the transfer of title is this. These rules regarding the transfer of title are outlined in Sections 27 – 30 of the Sale of Goods Act of 1930. Let us have a look at it in detail.

Sale by the person, not the owner

As a general rule, no man can sell goods or give a good title to them unless he is the owner, or someone has his authority or consent, i.e., an agent. The rule is the same, although the sale is accompanied by a transfer of a bill of lading, delivery order, warrant, or similar documents. 

The sale by a person who is not the owner is covered under Section 27. Consider a sales contract where the seller –

1. Is not the rightful owner of the goods.
2. Does not have the owner’s permission to sell the products.
3. Has not received permission from the owner to act as his agent in selling the items
4. In these situations, assuming the owner’s actions disallow the seller’s authorization to sell, the buyer does not obtain a superior title to the goods than the seller did.

Exceptions to Section 27 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930

The following are the exceptions to the rule that no seller of goods gives to the buyer thereof a better title than his own, namely, –

Sale by a mercantile agent (Section 27)

Consider a mercantile agent who, with the owner’s permission, is in possession of the goods or a document proving ownership of the items. When functioning as a mercantile agent in the regular course of business, such an agent is permitted to sell the products. If the buyer acts in good faith and has no cause to suspect that the seller has the legal authority to sell the items, the sale shall be deemed valid. In this situation, the transfer of title is legitimate.

Sale by one of the joint owners (Section 28)

Goods are usually bought under joint ownership. The goods are frequently held in the possession of one of these joint owners with their consent. If this person, who is the only owner of the goods, sells them, the buyer becomes the new owner of the goods’ property. As long as the buyer acts in good faith and has no grounds to suspect that the seller has the authority to sell the goods, this is permissible.

Section 28 lays down three conditions for validating a sale by one of the co-owner. These are as follows:

• He must be in sole possession by permission of his co-owners.
• The purchaser acts in good faith, i.e., with honesty.
• The purchaser had no notice at the time of the contract of sale that the seller had no authority to sell.

Sale by a person in possession under a voidable contract (Section 29)

Take into account a person who obtains possession of specific goods through a contract that can be cancelled owing to pressure, deception, fraud, or undue influence. The buyer obtains a good title to the goods if this individual sells them before the original owner of the goods terminates the contract. This is covered under Section 29 of the Act.

Sale by a person who has already sold the goods but continues to have possession [Section 30 (1)]

As per Section 30(1), the following conditions enable the seller to pass a good title:

• The goods or the documents proving ownership of the goods must remain in the seller’s possession. After the buyer receives the goods, possession of them as a hirer or bailee is not acceptable.
• Either the buyer received the goods or received the title documents, whichever came first. A simple sale, commitment, or other disposition arrangement won’t cut it.
• Good faith and the second buyer’s lack of knowledge of the first sale.

Sale by buyer obtaining possession before the property in the goods has vested in him [Section 30 (2)]

Consider a buyer who, with the seller’s consent, takes possession of the goods before the property in them is transferred to him. He is free to dispose of the goods by selling, pledging, or giving them away.

The second buyer acquires a fair title to the goods if he accepts delivery of them in good faith without being made aware of the lien or any other claim of the first seller.

A hire-purchase agreement, which gives the beneficiary personal possession of the goods and the option to buy them unless a sale is agreed upon, is an exception to this norm.

Performance of the contract

Seller

Rights of the seller under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930

1. To reserve the right to dispose of the goods until certain conditions are met in accordance with Section 25(1).
2. To consider a sale on approval to be completed when the buyer conveys his acceptance, performs an act adopting the sale, or retains the goods after the stated date (or a reasonable amount of time) without providing notice of rejection. (Section 24)
3. To only deliver the goods upon request from the buyer. (Section 35)
4. To provide the goods in instalments when agreed upon. [Section 39(1)]
5. To assert a lien and maintain ownership of the items until the purchase price is paid [Section 47(1)]
6. Until the price is paid, the goods may be stopped in transit and returned to the owner [Sections 49(2) and 50].
7. To resell the goods in certain conditions. (Section 54)
8. Keeping the goods from being delivered until the buyer acquires ownership. [Section 46(2)]
9. When ownership of the goods has been transferred to the buyer or when the price is due on a specific date under the terms of the contract and the buyer does not make the payment, the seller may bring a price claim against the buyer. [Section 55]

Duties of the seller under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930

1. To make the necessary arrangements for the buyer to receive ownership of the goods.
2. Determining and aligning the goods to the sale contract.
3. To transfer the buyer’s legal and complete ownership of the goods.
4. To fulfil the contract’s requirements for the delivery of the goods. (Section 31)
5. To guarantee that the provided goods adhere to any implied or stated conditions or warranties.
6. To prepare the goods for delivery and deliver them as and when the buyer requests. (Section 35)
7. The seller must fulfil the obligation to deliver the items on time, or at least by the agreed-upon hour and reasonable time. [Sections 36(2) and (4)]
8. To pay for all costs associated with and related to making a delivery, up until the point at which the goods are placed in a deliverable state. [Section 36(5)]
9. To provide the goods in the predetermined quantity. [Section 37(1)]
10. The seller must ensure that only when the buyer requests it, deliver the goods in phases. [Section 38(1)]
11. The seller must make insurance arrangements for the goods while they are in the carrier’s care or transfer. [Section 39(2)]
12. To promptly notify the customer when the goods are being shipped by sea so that he can arrange for insurance [Section 39(3)]

Buyer

Rights of the buyer under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930

1. To receive the items in accordance with the contract. (Sections 31 & 32)
2. Rejecting the goods when they don’t match the contract’s specifications for description, quality, or quantity. (Section 37)
3. When goods are given in instalments without a written agreement to that effect, the contract may be terminated. [Section 38(1)]
4. The seller must inform the buyer when the goods are being shipped by sea so that the buyer can make insurance arrangements. [Section 39(3)]
5. To be given a fair chance to inspect the goods and determine whether they are in compliance with the contract. (Section 41)
6. To file a lawsuit against the seller if they don’t deliver the goods in order to get their money back.
7. If the seller wrongfully fails or declines to deliver the goods to the customer, the buyer has the right to sue the seller for damages. (Section 57)
8. To bring a specific performance claim against the seller.
9. To file a claim against the seller for damages for failing to uphold a warranty or a situation that is deemed to be a violation of a warranty (Section 59)
10. To file a claim against the seller for damages for a potential violation of the contract (Section 60)
11. When a seller breaches a contract and must refund the customer’s money, the buyer may sue the seller for interest (Section 61)

Duties of the buyer under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930

1. Accepting the delivery of the goods when the seller is willing to fulfil their end of the bargain. (Section 31)
2. To make the required payment in order to obtain the goods.
3. To submit a delivery request for the goods. (Section 35)
4. Should insist on getting the goods delivered at a fair time. [Section 36(4)]
5. Accepting instalment deliveries of the items and paying for them in accordance with the arrangement. [Section 38(2)]
6. The buyer should accept the risk of deterioration during transit when the goods are to be delivered somewhere other than the location where they were purchased (Section 40)
7. To notify the seller if the purchaser declines or rejects the products. (Section 43)
8. After the seller offers delivery, the buyer must accept delivery of the goods in a timely manner (Section 44)
9. To fulfil the contract’s requirements by paying the amount at the point at which the buyer acquires ownership of the goods. (Section 55)
10. To cover losses for failing to accept the goods. (Section 56)

Goods were confirmed to have been received in complete and satisfactory functioning condition in State Bank of Mysore v. Machado Computer Services (2009). As a result, it was determined that the plaintiff had exercised his entitlement under Section 41 of the Sale of Goods Act and was considered to have accepted the goods upon making the notification of acceptance to the supplier as specified in the delivery challan. According to Section 42 of the Act, both the quality and quantity of the supplied goods were accepted. Further, the description of the goods as to the make or brand is also deemed to have been accepted upon such acceptance following examination of the goods specifically accepted, and no defect could be stated to be in respect of such brand in accordance with the second proviso to Section 16 of the Act. Therefore, the supplier’s obligation under the sales contract was fulfilled. The goods were accepted by the plaintiff. The plaintiff was therefore obligated to pay for the goods after accepting them in accordance with the injunction granted by Sections 31 and 32 of the Act.

Rights of an unpaid seller under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930

According to Section 45 of the Act of 1930, a seller of goods is considered “unpaid” if he has not received the whole of the price, as well as if the buyer has provided him with a bill for the amount due but the bill is not honoured. The phrase “the whole of the price” refers to the total sum agreed upon with respect to the entire contract, and in the event that the contract is severable, the price of the severable component is divided. In each instance, it is an issue of fact as to whether it was given as an unconditional or conditional payment. Partially unpaid sellers are on par with fully unpaid sellers.

The unpaid seller, by the implications of Section 46, has the following rights:

Right to lien 

The lien of an unpaid seller is a right to retain possession of the goods until tender or payment of the price. The unpaid seller is entitled to a lien only in three situations, as mentioned in Section 47 of the Act. These are as follows:

1. There is no stipulation as to credit. The seller is liable to deliver the goods to the buyer when demanded by the buyer but he has no right to have possession of the goods till he pays the price. 
2. A sale on credit operates as a waiver of the lien during the currency of the credit,
3. If the buyer becomes insolvent before the price is paid, and the seller is in possession of the goods, he is entitled to retain possession even if the goods are sold on credit and the term of credit has not expired.

As was already noted, a lien depends on the actual ownership of goods. When the possession is removed from the seller, the lien disappears along with it, as noted in Section 49. In the following situations, an unpaid seller of goods loses his lien thereon:

1. When he transfers ownership of the goods without reserving it to a carrier or other bailee with the intention of delivering it to the buyer.
2. When the buyer lawfully obtains the possession of the goods.
3. When the seller expressly or impliedly waives his lien rights. 

Rights of stoppage of goods in transit

This right entails stopping the products while they are in a carrier’s control or lodged at any point during transmission to the buyer, regaining ownership of them, and holding onto them until the price is tendered or paid. To exercise the right, the seller must be unpaid, the buyer must be insolvent, the seller must have parted with possession of the goods, and the buyer must not have acquired them.

Additionally, the delinquent seller may use both of his stoppage-in-transit rights:

• By assuming actual possession of the goods.
• By providing a statement to the seller identifying who is in possession of the goods.

Such instructions may be delivered to the person who actually owns the goods. In the latter scenario, the contract must be reached well in advance to allow the superior to contact his agent or servant in time to deliver the goods to the consumer.

He could be held accountable for the conversion if he offers the goods to the buyer while making an error. The seller must put up with the redelivery expenses.

Suit for breach of contract

Suit for price by the seller against the buyer

Sub-section (1) of Section 55 deals with a contract where the property in the goods has passed irrespective of delivery. This will involve two types of cases:

1. Suit for the price of goods sold and delivered. 
2. Suit for the price of goods bargained and sold. 

The contingent situations contemplated by sub-section (2) are as follows:

1. Non-delivery
2. Non-appropriation of the goods to the contract
3. Property in the goods that are continuing to vest in the seller.

Suit for damages by the seller against the buyer for non-acceptance of the goods 

Section 56 says that where the buyer wrongfully neglects or refuses to accept and pay for the goods, the seller may sue him for damages for non-acceptance of the goods. 

The Indian Contract Act of 1872’s provisions Section 73 and Section 74 serve as the foundation for calculating the damages. In accordance with Section 73 of the Indian Contract Act, when a contract is broken, the party who suffers as a result of the breach is entitled to receive compensation for any loss suffered by him as a result, which naturally results from the breach in the ordinary course of events or which the parties knew would likely occur when they entered into the contract.

The methods that were available for resolving the discomfort brought on by the contract’s non-performance must also be taken into consideration when calculating the loss or damage brought on by a breach of contract.

The day on which the contract should have been fulfilled by delivery and acceptance as specified by the agreement, or, in the absence of a time frame, at the moment of non-performance, is the date at which the market price is to be determined.

Suit for damages by the buyer against the seller for non-delivery of the goods 

The buyer may file a lawsuit against the seller for non-delivery damages if the seller willfully neglects or declines to deliver the goods to the buyer under Section 57. The buyer has all the rights of an owner against individuals who act on the property in a way that violates his rights once it has passed, provided that he is entitled to instant possession. Therefore, if the seller wrongfully resells them, the buyer may bring a lawsuit against both the seller and the second buyer. However, the rights against the latter may be limited by the provisions of sections 30 and 54.

The seller cannot be accused of ignoring or refusing to deliver the goods if the buyer has not made payment for earlier deliveries within 15 days of the date of delivery and the seller withholds delivery. The seller would have the right to demonstrate that it would be impossible for him to fulfil his end of the bargain.

Suit for specific performance by the buyer against the seller

Under Section 58 of the Act, in any suit for breach of contract to deliver specific or ascertained goods, the court may, if it thinks fit, on the application of the plaintiff, by its decree directs that the contract shall be performed specifically, without giving the defendant the option of keeping the goods in exchange for payment of damages. This is subject to the provisions of Chapter II of the Specific Relief Act, of 1877. The plaintiff may file an application at any time prior to the decree, and the court may grant the decree unconditionally or with such terms and conditions as damages, payment of the purchase price, or other matters as it may deem just. This Section is the only one in this Act that deals with the equitable right to a specific performance. 

Suit by the buyer against the seller for breach of warranty

Section 59 of the Act deals with four remedies for the breach of warranty. These are as follows:

1. If the loss caused by the warranty violation is less than the purchase price, the buyer may request a reduction in the price. The rule of a price reduction or extinction is not a set-off and only applies to claims that are cross-subject to the same contract.
2. If the loss matches the price, the buyer may refuse to pay it at all.
3. The buyer may refuse to pay the price as well as claim the excess if the loss exceeds the cost.
4. In each of these scenarios, he has the option of paying the amount or suing the seller for warranty breach damages. The buyer has three options for pursuing his claim: through litigation, set-off, or counterclaim.

A breach of warranty does not give the buyer the right to return the goods, and his only options are those listed in Section 59, which are to hold the seller liable for the breach of the warranty by reducing or eliminating the price or suing the seller for damages as a result. According to the definition of ‘warranty’ provided in Section 12(3), only the buyer has the right to file a claim for damages when the warranty is breached.

This Section outlines the procedures a buyer who, in either scenario, has a claim for damages may use to pursue it. It does not address situations in which a fraudulent misrepresentation may allow the buyer to void the contract or situations in which, according to the contract’s specific terms, the buyer may return the goods in the event of a warranty breach.

Suit for damages by seller or buyer for anticipatory breach of contract 

Section 60 outlines the procedure a buyer who, in either scenario, has a claim for damages may use to pursue it. It does not address situations in which a fraudulent misrepresentation may allow the buyer to void the contract or situations in which, according to the contract’s specific terms, the buyer may return the goods in the event of a warranty breach.

Very frequently, situations may emerge where the promisor declares that he will not carry out his share of the performance when the time for performance approaches, even when the performance is to take place in the future. Not doing an act while it is not yet contractually required is not a breach. For this reason, this Section allows the promisee the choice of treating the contract as cancelled in advance or waiting until the day of performance to treat it as subsisting.

Interest by way of damages and special damages

The right to seek interest, extra damages, or money paid in the absence of consideration is preserved under Section 61. The Interest Act of 1839 allowed interest to be awarded in the following circumstances at the going rate:

1. From the due date specified in the contract, on all debits or certain sums payable at a specific time under a written instrument.
2. In other situations, interest is charged beginning on the date the written demand is made.

In the case of M/s M.K.M. Moosa Bhai Amin, Kota v. Rajasthan Textile Mills, Bhawanimandi (1974), the plaintiff sued for the cost of the delivered products as well as interest on the unpaid cost. The District Judge rejected the interest claim on the grounds that there was no contract to pay interest if the cost of the supplied items was not paid in full. The plaintiff argued that under Section 61(2) of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, the plaintiff was entitled to a reasonable interest even in the absence of the contract. The supply had been made up until September 18, 1962, and under normal circumstances, the defendant should have paid the cost of the goods within a reasonable amount of time after delivery. However, the payment was over a year late, forcing the plaintiff to file a lawsuit to recover the money. According to a ruling, in these situations, the lower courts ought to have erred on the side of the plaintiff and applied Section 61(2) of the Sale of Goods Act to grant interest on the amount of the purchase price of the goods. The Rajasthan High Court permitted interest at 6% annually, which was regarded as a reasonable rate of interest.

The Supreme Court in the case of Marwar Tent Factory v. Union of India (1989) observed that an award of interest to a seller on an amount of price not paid by the buyer within a reasonable time cannot be denied merely because in the notice served under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), the seller had not claimed interest. The Court held that, on the facts, the seller is entitled to a decree of interest at a rate of 6 percent per annum on the unpaid price from the date of delivery of goods.

The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, 1980

The 11th April 1980 adoption of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), commonly known as the Vienna Convention, established a legal text that states in Article 1 that it applies to contracts for the sale of goods between parties whose places of business are in different States (a) when the States are contracting States; or (b) when the principles of private international law require the application of the law of a contracting State. 

India has neither signed nor ratified the Convention on the International Sale of Goods, despite a number of other nations have done so. But when handling cases involving parties from two separate countries, the Indian Courts occasionally refer to the Convention.

The two Indian Acts were created many years ago, and as a result, they do not reflect the situations of the present. The clauses in these two Acts are outdated and irreverent, and they do not address the requirements of contemporary sales and contacts that involve a variety of sophisticated aspects. Therefore, the Convention on International Sale of Commodities should be ratified for the reason that it was just established and would assist India to meet the requirements of contemporary contracts and sales of goods. A more uniform and effective way to conduct international sales of commodities would be made possible by the convention, which would also benefit India. The CISG would be very beneficial in addressing the shortcomings and loopholes in the domestic legal framework. This universal law agreement will address elements like cross-border contracts that are not covered by the domestic Sale of Goods Act. Several clauses in the Convention are very helpful in day-to-day business operations.

Conclusion

The article has covered all the important topics and provisions along with case laws. As stated above, the author would like to conclude by stating that it is high time India updated itself by following global standards. The Sale of Goods Act is pre-independence legislation and is mostly inconsistent with today’s trade regimes. If India upgrades the laws as per the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods 1980, it will be easier and better to deal with private international laws as well as if there is a conflict of laws, then also globally used legislation would be better to be used, considering exports and imports. There have been very few cases of the Sale of Goods Act in recent years. One of the reasons may be that the provisions are kind of outdated to tackle the new era problems.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

What are the essential things covered under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930?

It is crucial to comprehend the major terminology used in the Sale of Goods Act in order to fully comprehend the Act. The two parties (the buyer and the seller), the mercantile agent, the goods, the price, and the transfer of general property are among them. The Act further deals with the formation and the formalities of a contract. It also covers the suits for breach of contract of sales by both buyer and seller.

What happens if an agreement to sell or a contract of sale is broken?

In essence, when one party fails to complete the sale, the other may claim damages for breach of contract. In the event of a default by the seller, he is required to reimburse the buyer for any additional, justifiable costs. The opposite party might also try to force the wrongdoer to carry out the agreement’s terms. Getting the sale agreement is generally advised from the perspective of the buyer.

What kind of risk is associated with the sale of goods in India?

The owner of the goods bears the risk of loss or damage to goods, according to the common rule in use in India. Res perit domino, a Latin maxim, means the object is lost to the owner of the property. This theory is applicable when selling movable property. According to Section 26 of the Sale of Goods Act of 1930, ownership of the goods remains with the owner if it has not been done so already. The products, however, are at the risk of the buyer if the property has been transferred to them. If the parties to the contract have not agreed to any other explicit provision referencing this in their contract, then this clause will apply. No matter what, this rule is relevant.

References 

1. LexisNexis’s The Sale of Goods Act by Pollock & Mulla – 10th Edition 2012
2. https://blog.ipleaders.in/remedies-breach-sale-goods-act/ 

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